Name: Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup warm whole milk; 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 large eggs; 3 1/2 – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup chopped Italian herbs such as sage, oregano, basil, and thyme; 2 cloves garlic, grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 14 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of the ultimate comfort food that combines soft, fluffy bread with a punch of cheesy garlic goodness, you are in for a treat with this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe. I’m talking about a homemade bread that’s ooey, gooey, and packed with fresh herbs and three types of cheese. Whether you’re baking it for family dinner or a gathering with friends, this bread steals the show every time—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The garlic and fresh herbs brighten the rich cheddar and mozzarella cheese, keeping every bite flavorful but never overpowering.
Soft, Tender Texture: A combination of warm milk, honey, and eggs creates a dough that’s soft but holds its shape beautifully once baked.
Layered Cheese Goodness: Using cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan together offers a gooey melt, subtle stretchiness, and a nutty finish.
Visual Appeal: The twisted, braided shape not only bakes evenly but looks stunning on any table, making it a conversation starter.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade cheesy bread, herb cheese bread, easy garlic bread recipe - A round, spiral-shaped bread with multiple layers, each layer showing a mix of melted yellow and white cheese with visible herbs sprinkled on top. The bread crust is golden brown with some areas darker and crisp. Fresh green herb sprigs are scattered on the bread’s surface, adding color contrast. The bread sits on a wooden surface with glasses filled with a light drink around it, and some green leaves near the top and bottom edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor and texture. From the warm milk that feeds the yeast to the fresh Italian herbs that give it an herby punch, knowing why each component is there helps you make substitutions confidently or improve it further.

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade cheesy bread, herb cheese bread, easy garlic bread recipe - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of warm whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, three whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small heap of all-purpose flour dusted lightly nearby, a teaspoon of coarse kosher salt in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of crumbled active dry yeast, a small pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, a small pile of shredded creamy white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with a mix of fresh chopped Italian herbs including sage, oregano, basil, and thyme, and two whole fresh garlic cloves alongside a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly grated garlic, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Warm Whole Milk: Warm milk activates the yeast gently and adds richness without heaviness.
Yeast: The magic behind the rise, responsible for the airy, fluffy crumb.
Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the savory cheeses and helps activate the yeast.
Eggs: Enrich the dough, making it tender and giving the bread its lovely golden color.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and chewiness ideal for this kind of enriched bread.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and flavorful; the star cheese in the mix.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Offers meltiness and that wonderful stretch in every bite.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds an umami, nutty finish that rounds out the cheese blend.
Chopped Italian Herbs (sage, oregano, basil, thyme): Fresh herbs bring brightness and aroma, elevating the cheese and garlic.
Grated Garlic Cloves: A fresh punch of garlicky flavor that complements the herbs perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is because it’s so easy to tweak without losing the heart of what makes it so delicious. Plus, everyone has their own preferences for cheese blends or herbs, so don’t be shy about mixing things up.

Variation: I’ve swapped out mozzarella for provolone before for a smokier vibe, and it worked like a charm—gooey and flavorful with a subtle twist.
Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh Italian herbs, dried herbs can work but use about half the quantity to avoid overpowering the bread.
Dairy-Free Version: You can experiment with vegan cheeses and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, but be aware the texture will shift quite a bit.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a little heat with your cheesy bread—trust me, it’s addictive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast

Start by mixing warm whole milk with yeast and honey in your stand mixer’s bowl. This little wait of 5-10 minutes is key because you want to see a frothy, bubbly surface—that tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing bubbles, your yeast might be old or your milk too hot or cold, so be sure to check your temps and freshness.

Step 2: Knead the Dough to Perfection

After the yeast bloom, add your eggs, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and kosher salt. Use the dough hook attachment to mix until everything comes together—about 4 to 5 minutes. If it’s still sticky, slowly add the rest of the flour until your dough feels soft but not tacky. This step is about finding that perfect dough consistency—not too dry, not too sticky. Trust your hands here; feel tells the real story.

Step 3: Let It Rise until Puffy and Billowy

Cover your dough bowl with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot for about an hour. This rise time lets the yeast bubble up, doubling the dough’s size and creating that tender crumb we all love in bread. I like to preheat my oven halfway through this rise to save time later.

Step 4: Layer in the Cheese and Herbs

While your dough’s resting, mix together your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, chopped herbs, and that fragrant grated garlic. This mixture is pure gold, bursting with flavor in every bite. When the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air then roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Twist

Sprinkle the cheese and herb mix evenly across the rolled dough. Starting with the long edge closest to you, roll it up tightly into a log. Pinch the edges along the seam to seal that cheesy goodness inside. Use a sharp knife to slice lengthwise down the middle of your roll, leaving one end uncut so the strands stay attached. Then twist the two parts around each other, exposing the cheesy bits. It’s a bit like braiding, and the smell at this stage? Pure heaven.

Step 6: Shape and Rest Before Baking

Coil your twisted dough into a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it lightly and let it rest for 15 minutes—this helps it puff up just before baking, so it’s extra soft and tender inside.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop it into your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden crust on top and bubbly cheese peeking through the twists. Let it cool just slightly before slicing—warm is best so you get all the melty cheese goodness, but don’t burn your mouth!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: I always use fresh herbs when possible. They add brightness you just can’t get from dried versions.
Don’t Skip the Honey: The sweetness helps balance all that savory cheese and also gives your crust a lovely golden color.
Roll Tight but Don’t Overdo It: Rolling the log snugly traps that cheesy filling, but too tight and you’ll squeeze it out.
Watch Your Oven Temperature: I learned the hard way that too hot an oven burns the edges before the center cooks through—350°F has been perfect every time.

How to Serve Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe

Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread, cheesy garlic bread, homemade cheesy bread, herb cheese bread, easy garlic bread recipe - A round loaf of cheese bread is sliced into thick pieces, showing a soft white inside with swirled orange cheese within the layers. The top crust is golden brown, sprinkled with herbs, melted cheese, and small green leaves. The bread rests on a wooden surface with two glasses of light beer in the background, and fresh green herbs are placed nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little extra parmesan and finely chopped fresh herbs on top just before serving. It adds a fresh, inviting look while boosting flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of garlic butter over warm slices sends this bread over the top.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with soups, especially tomato bisque or creamy broccoli cheddar. It’s also amazing alongside a crisp green salad or served with charcuterie boards for weekend entertaining. Whenever I make this bread for dinners, it’s the first thing that disappears!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday tables or brunch gatherings, I like shaping the twisted dough into a wreath and scattering edible flowers or herb sprigs around the plate. It feels festive and looks sophisticated but totally approachable. You can even tuck small pieces of roasted garlic into the dough twists for bursts of mellow roasted flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bread keeps really well wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days. I’ve found that storing it at room temperature preserves the soft crumb and the melty cheese texture the best.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Just wrap the cooled loaf carefully in plastic wrap and then foil or pop it into a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven for best results.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps refresh the crust without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch, because it can make the bread gummy.

FAQs

Can I make this Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface, though it might take a little longer and require a bit more elbow grease. The dough should be smooth and elastic before the first rise, which might take about 8-10 minutes of kneading by hand.
What kind of herbs work best in this bread recipe?

I recommend a blend of Italian herbs like sage, oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic herbaceous flavor. Fresh herbs are best for brightness, but if you only have dried, use half the amount to avoid overpowering the bread.
Can I substitute the cheeses?

Definitely! Cheddar is essential for the sharp tang, but mozzarella can be swapped with provolone or Monterey Jack for different textures, and parmesan can be replaced with pecorino romano if you want a different salty, nutty twist.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown on top with slightly bubbly cheese showing. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should read about 190-200°F. Also, the bottom should sound hollow when tapped gently.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Cheddar Cheese Bread Recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a labor of love that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and your table with smiles. It’s perfect for weekend baking that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to pull off. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cheesy, garlicky, soft bread in your recipe lineup. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake something unforgettable today!